In Florida, we are accustomed to humidity in the air that so thick you can slice it with a knife. But when winter months approach, the atmosphere here gets very dry. Dry eyes that burn and ache are a common side effect of the cold winter winds outside and the dry, heated air of our homes inside. Our tears evaporate off the surface of our eyes, and our tear glands simply cannot produce fluid quick enough to maintain the protective, moist coating that our eyes require to stay hydrated. The result is dry eyes that may cause blurred vision or a scratchy, burning sensation.Luckily, there are several simple ways that you can combat dry eyes during the winter months. Here are our tips for keeping your vision clear and your eyes moisturized during the cold winter season ahead:

Sunglasses to shield your eyes from the drying elements and decrease the evaporation of your tear film.

Humidifier to maintain a healthy level of moisture in your home.

Lubricating eye drops help to supplement your tear film and heal damaged tissue. Because there are so many over-the-counter artificial tear brands to choose from, make sure that you ask Dr. Byers to ensure that you are using drops that are suitable for your condition.

The winter season can be a great time to get outside and soak up the smells and sights of the season. However, make sure that you follow these simple steps for combating dry eyes to make sure that you do not fall victim to the hazards of the cold, dry winter weather.